During our provincial…

During our provincial housing crisis, the addition of policies that further restrict residential development should be avoided where alternative approaches that maintain health and safety can be achieved. The Downtown Core Special Policy Area (SPA) is intended to permit development within the Downtown Core, subject to consideration of the Regulatory Flood Limit (RFL), to help support the Downtown. The current wording of SPA policies is not clear and appears to allow some forms of residential development, but not others based on what is and what is not ‘development’ or ‘redevelopment’. Allowing consideration of the actual flood depths within the Downtown Core Special Policy Area will balance the safety and risks associated with the floodplain with the ability to provide housing within the Downtown in a manner that both supports the economic vitality of the Downtown and provides housing that appropriately mitigates against flood risks.

Please see the attached letter for our fulsome comment on the proposed County of Brant Official Plan.